Signs of heatstroke and how to treat it.
Early recognition of heatstroke symptoms not only helps you avoid exhaustion but also plays a crucial role in preventing serious complications requiring emergency medical intervention.
The summer of 2025 is witnessing unprecedented heatwaves in many parts of the world, with temperatures exceeding forecasts and arriving earlier than usual.
In this context, those who frequently spend time outdoors, whether for work or sports, need to pay particular attention to heat-related illnesses, with heatstroke being the most serious condition and potentially fatal if not treated promptly.
The worrying thing is that heatstroke doesn't only happen to athletes or those doing strenuous labor. Heatstroke can occur even if you're simply in a hot environment for an extended period. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, those who work outdoors are at the highest risk during the first few days of exposure to high temperatures, as their bodies haven't had time to adapt.
Dr. Korin Hudson, an emergency specialist at MedStar Health (USA), warns that, in addition to workers, heatstroke is also common in the elderly, young children (including infants), and during prolonged heatwaves. People with underlying chronic conditions or those using certain medications, including alcohol or stimulants, are also more susceptible to heat-related complications.
Understanding the signs and symptoms of heatstroke is crucial not only for protecting yourself but can also save others' lives. Here's what you need to know.
Symptoms of heatstroke
As summer temperatures continue to break global records, the dangers of heat-related illnesses are becoming increasingly apparent. Among these, heatstroke is the most dangerous, a potentially life-threatening medical emergency if not treated properly and promptly.
Notably, heatstroke doesn't usually appear suddenly. It may begin with signs of heat exhaustion, a less severe condition but one that still requires prompt intervention. Without proper cooling, heat exhaustion can easily develop into heatstroke.
According to the renowned academic medical center Mayo Clinic and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), typical symptoms of heatstroke include: Changes in consciousness (confusion, agitation, slurred speech, disorientation, unusual behavior); Severe headache; Hot, red, often dry skin; Loss of consciousness or fainting; Rapid heart rate, rapid breathing; Vomiting, convulsions; and an abnormally high body temperature.
If you or someone around you experiences these symptoms, especially if they last longer than an hour, become more severe, or are accompanied by vomiting, call emergency services immediately.
Essential first aid steps when encountering someone suffering from heatstroke.
According to emergency physician Korin Hudson, proper first aid while waiting for medical personnel to arrive can be the difference between life and death. Here are the steps you should take:
1. Call emergency services immediately.
Heatstroke cannot be treated at home. This is a medical emergency requiring professional intervention. If there are other people nearby, one person should call emergency services, while the other provides first aid.
2. Move the patient to a cool place.
Move the victim away from the hot area immediately, such as into an air-conditioned room, a shady spot, or any cooler place. The main goal is to lower body temperature as quickly as possible.
3. Remove some clothing.
Remove unnecessary clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, or multiple layers of workout attire. This helps increase cooling through sweat evaporation. Dr. Hudson also advises that wearing multiple layers to "sweat to lose weight" is dangerous and can lead to heatstroke.
4. Cool the body down immediately.
Use cold towels, ice cubes, cool water, or any available means to cool areas such as the neck, armpits, and groin – areas with many large blood vessels near the skin's surface. If possible, spray water on the body or immerse the patient in cool water. This is also a cooling method commonly used in hospitals to control temperature in severe cases of heatstroke.
Although adequate hydration is crucial in preventing heatstroke, do not force someone to drink if they are already suffering from it. This is because when a victim is confused, unconscious, or experiencing neurological disturbances, their ability to swallow safely is impaired, leading to a risk of choking or suffocation.
According to Dr. Hudson, for those already showing clear signs of heatstroke, giving them water is no longer safe and a medical professional should be consulted upon arrival at the scene.
Proactive prevention is key.
Heatstroke is preventable if you drink enough water, avoid outdoor activities during intense sunlight, wear appropriate clothing, and closely monitor for early warning signs.
Remember, when the body is no longer able to regulate its temperature, the consequences can be very rapid and serious. So, don't wait until you feel dizzy, nauseous, or delirious before seeking treatment; act early.
Having knowledge of first aid and recognizing the symptoms of heatstroke will not only help you protect yourself but can also save the lives of others during these harsh summer days.